Logitech Introduces Simple-To-Use Internet Video Camera For Under $50 - Company Business and Marketing

EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, July 5, 1999

Peripheral maker Logitech last week rolled out QuickCam Express, an Internet video camera that breaks the $50 price barrier.

The low-priced hardware/software bundle allows consumers to send video images and photos over the Internet as easily as they now send text. The product will be available later this month.

Users simply plug in the camera, install the software, and push a button to record a video or snap a photo. Sending video e-mail or a photo over the Internet requires just a single click, as the one-click attachment feature does all the work. On the receiving end, no special camera or software is required -- another click displays the video e- mail or photo on most PCs and Macintosh computers.

"QuickCam became the most popular name in Internet video cameras -- with more than one million sold -- by offering customers what they want at a price they can afford," says Junien Labrousse, vice president of Logitech's Video Business Division. "QuickCam Express, the seventh generation in the QuickCam line, gives people everything they need to stay close to friends and family in a simple, affordable and easy-to- use package."

The one-click attachment feature works with all major e-mail packages that allow attachments, making QuickCam Express an ideal tool for AOL subscribers, who currently use a multi-step process for video e-mail attachment.

The product integrates all the software necessary for video e-mail, still photos, and face-to-face online video chats. The software includes an audio wizard to make installing a microphone for Video Chats easy. The product also bundles with a completely installed copy of Microsoft NetMeeting 2.1.

The QuickCam Express product is the newest addition to the QuickCam family, which also includes QuickCam VC for PC and Macintosh, QuickCam Home and QuickCom Pro for PC and Macintosh.

Minimum System Requirements include Windows 95 or Windows 98; Pentium 200 MHz (266 MHz or higher and MMX technology recommended); USB port; 16MB RAM; Hard Drive with 50MB free space; CD-ROM drive; 16-bit color display; Windows compatible sound card (full duplex card recommended); Speakers (required for receiving audio); and Microphone (required for sending audio).